Observations on the Use of Rhythm in Dementia
Maggie Thomson 7/99
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As part of my training for the PAME Certificate I chose to work with a group of people attending a local authority day centre, all with varying degrees of dementia. I use the following programme one day a week:
This programme is adaptable for varying elderly and/or ability groups. The venue is in the Care Suite of the day centre, a self- contained area for dementia sufferers, comprising dining-room and large lounge, with doors opening on to an enclosed garden. There are always two members of staff on duty, and the number of clients present ranges from six to ten. The care staff are present during the session and help those who are less able. There are often wheelchair users present and they join in to the best of their ability and with the help of the staff.
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EXERCISES |
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The exercises are done with each person sitting in an upright chair, if possible, and I have learned two things about this-
Since January, when I started, nearly every session has produced something unexpected, eg, One man who never talks unless addressed suddenly said, 'That sounds like Victor Sylvester' ... and it was a tape of Victor Sylvester strict tempo ballroom dancing music of the 40s and 50s. JP stopped and talked about this, and he used to do ballroom dancing in his young days. During another session the same person recognised an old- fashioned waltz and he and I waltzed round the floor; and as a result of it is the care staff organised a tea dance that afternoon for the group members. Later he also recognised a Bing Crosby song. These all provided reminiscence opportunities with the whole group. During the fourth session one lady in a wheelchair. always silent and often asleep, suddenly said, 'One and two and three and four. .. Again we stopped and recognised this, and I asked her if she would like to count for the rest of the session during the exercises. She nodded agreement and did it for a little while, then relapsed into silence again. Most members of the group attempt some or all of the exercises to the best of their ability perhaps there is only very slight response - a finger or a hand moving but the rhythm is being responded to. Linda, the staff member who is always there, always acknowledges any special individual effort and on occasion has included it in the Day Book.
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GAMES |
| For me the purpose of the games is not only for physical coordination, but also for communication and sharing and experiencing the group energy. They include moving long scarves to the rhythm of Strauss waltzes, using soft handballs for exercises and also for throwing to each other, holding a large stretchy cloth - the parachute - in a circle and bouncing a beanie-frog up to the ceiling, very popular, with lots of laughter, particularly for those who can no long communicate verbally. These and other games are all enjoyed, and everyone who is able joins in. I try and ensure that every game has group Involvement as well as individual effort. I am intending to start rhythmic work with musical instruments as soon as we have them.
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RELAXATION |
| This is a guided visualization. One needs to know that certain environments may have negative associations for clients so I am careful in my selection. It has a background accompaniment of a healing/relaxation cassette. The response to this exercise is very noteworthy. The atmosphere changes and stills, and becomes very peaceful. One or two of them will stare at me for a while then suddenly relax; one lady, a compulsive talker, stops talking and is able to sit quietly for ten minutes or more; another lady who constantly walks across the room with small shuffling steps, sits still. The stillness of the room remains there for the rest of the morning. The staff are very positive about the effect of this work. They feel it has much value and observe changes in behaviour or reaction that I am not aware of as I only see the clients an this one occasion each week. I have learned to measure and value responses In seconds, not minutes, and feel that the most minute response is of benefit and worth the effort.
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Maggie Thomson
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